The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has officially dismissed a viral social media video that appears to show farmers preserving beans with a white powdery
substance, widely believed to be concrete cement.
In a statement released on Monday, February 16, 2026, the FDA condemned the practice as "unsafe and unacceptable," clarifying that such methods are not recognized, approved, or tolerated within Ghana's agricultural sector.
Key Findings from the FDA Investigation
After a thorough review of the footage by the FDA and the Plant Protection and Regulation Services Directorate (PPRSD), several red flags were identified that suggest the video did not originate in Ghana:
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Language Barrier: A linguistic analysis confirmed that the language spoken in the video is not Ghanaian.
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Unsafe Handling: The narration reveals unhygienic practices, including the application of chemicals with bare hands and individuals standing on heaps of food without protective clothing.
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Non-Food Grade Material: The substance used—purported to be cement—is an industrial material containing alkaline compounds and toxic additives. Ingesting even small amounts can lead to chemical burns, organ damage, and gastrointestinal obstruction.
Safe Alternatives for Bean Preservation
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) recommends several scientifically proven and safe methods to prevent weevil infestations without the use of hazardous chemicals:
Consumer Advisory
The FDA is urging the public to remain vigilant and not to succumb to fear-mongering, while also providing clear instructions for stakeholders:
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For Retailers: Avoid any aggregators using unapproved preservation methods.
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For Consumers: Thoroughly wash beans before cooking and report any "stony" or suspicious white residue to the FDA.
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Reporting: Use the FDA’s hotlines or social media handles to report suspicious food handling practices for immediate investigation.
"The use of unapproved substances, poor hygiene, and direct hand contact with food are clear violations of established food safety regulations." — FDA Official Statement
The Bottom Line
The viral "cement in beans" video is likely a localized practice from another region being misattributed to Ghana. However, the health risks of such a practice are real. The FDA has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the Ghanaian market safe, ensuring that all food products meet the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and IAEA-recognized safety protocols.
